1948 Tucker 48
- Colour
- Silver
Tucker 48 chassis number 1029 holds a uniquely central place in the Tucker story: it appeared in the original 1948 promotional film, was used in high-speed trials at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and then served as Preston Tucker's personal family vehicle for several years. Later owned by Winthrop Rockefeller and subsequent noted collectors, it was one of 22 authentic examples supplied for the 1988 Jeff Bridges feature film. The car retains what appears to be original mileage of 19,199 miles and is accompanied by a documented ownership history compiled by Tucker historian Jay Follis.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$1,792,500
- → 1955Factory deliveryPreston Tucker and familyfull documentation
Used as a personal family vehicle for roughly seven years after factory completion and promotional use; fitted with a non-standard water heater specific to the creator's own cars and featured in family home movies.
- 1955 →Private saleWinthrop Rockefellerfull documentation
Future Arkansas Governor who had known Tucker personally; purchase is confirmed by surviving correspondence. Tenure appears to have been brief, as the car surfaced for sale by 1959.
- 1959 →Acquisition unknownAlbert J. Gaysonpartial documentation
Los Angeles-based seller who offered the car for sale around 1959.
- → 1967Private saleMax Novakpartial documentation
Omaha, Nebraska owner who later transferred the car to a San Francisco dealership in 1967.
- 1967 →Private saleBritish Motor Car Distributorspartial documentation
Well-known San Francisco dealership operated by Kjell Qvale; held the car briefly before reselling it.
- → 1989Private saleJack Bartpartial documentation
Prominent automobile enthusiast and talent agent who owned the car for approximately two decades; during this period the body was refinished to the original color by a Connecticut shop and the interior was reupholstered.
- 1989 → 2004Private saleTodd Werbypartial documentation
San Francisco-based owner; the car was displayed at the Blackhawk Museum at some point during his custodianship.
- 2004 →Private saleCurrent private collectorpartial documentation
Owner of a noted private collection; car was acquired from Werby and is accompanied by a documented history file compiled by Tucker historian Jay Follis.
Competition
- —Indianapolis Motor Speedway high-speed trials
Car was among the Tucker 48s used for high-speed testing at the Indianapolis facility; this activity became a celebrated element of Tucker promotional history.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Modification
A non-standard Bishop and Babcock water heater was installed, consistent with the specification used in Tucker's other personal cars.
Fitted during Tucker family ownership; considered a distinguishing feature of his personal vehicles.
- —BodyworkNunes Auto Body Shop
Body refinished in the car's original factory color, and interior reupholstered, during Jack Bart's roughly two-decade ownership.
Work carried out in Bridgeport, Connecticut; Bart's tenure ended in 1989.
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